Triangle Park recognised for successful use of public space

The NSW Department of Planning, Industry & Environment (DPIE) has acknowledged the success of Triangle Park in rejuvenating Penrith’s City Centre.

DPIE has highlighted the project to inspire other local government areas to improve their own local streets, paths, or public spaces. The Triangle Park case study points to "How a quiet piece of bitumen can become something much more than just a shared streetscape". The conversion of the redundant stretch of road into public space began as a 16-month trial which was eagerly utilised by residents and workers. The popularity of the space prompted Council to formalise Triangle Park as part of a major upgrade to Penrith’s High Street in 2018.

The High Street Upgrade Project delivered new paving, furniture, and lighting in the City’s CBD to enhance accessibility and encourage a more vibrant 24-hour economy. Council is now undertaking an even bigger city-shaping project in City Park, which will give Penrith’s CBD a new green heart.

Triangle Park is one of seven projects across the state to be profiled by DPIE, alongside the likes of Sydney’s George Street. The case studies form part of the DPIE Streets as Shared Spaces grant program; providing prospective grant applicants examples of how they can contribute to NSW economic recovery by creating vibrant streets and additional safe space to support local business.

In addition to the grants, DPIE is looking for community input on the streets they love and ideas on how to make further improvements to their local area. Individuals can plot their thoughts on an interactive map of NSW which according to the DPIE website will "build a library of ideas on how we can make our streets more attractive and safer to share". The Streets as Shared Spaces program is designed to contribute to an increase in the proportion of homes in urban areas within 10 minutes’ walk of quality green, open and public space.

To share your ideas on how to make more great streets as share spaces, visit the DPIE website

Image: Penrith City Council hosts regular events at Triangle Park